We recently connected with Joseph McMullen and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joseph, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

Our Impact in the Community HAPCO offers programs that give students real-world experience and mentoring from professionals they can relate to. Our educators focus upon practical advice, from the business side of the arts and music industries, to best practices for using the arts and music to fund secondary education.

We actively pursue community and local business connections to establish programs and events that benefit and promote all partners. We use this social capital to offer the strongest educational programs and community-focused events possible.

We emphasize “paying it forward” – we practice and teach the benefits of sharing expertise and experience, as well as of being good community corporate citizens.

Community support makes our programs possible. We align ourselves with partners who relish the opportunities to mentor the next generations in artistic expression and appreciation. Supporters can help us by: donating, sponsoring, volunteering and attending our events.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My Inspiration – It is individual acts of caring that change lives. HAPCO Founder Joseph Patrick McMullen knows this first-hand.

“I will never forget one of the greatest men I have ever had the privilege to be inspired by. My senior year in high school, I was excited for my future. I had been accepted to the Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy. I was going to make my mom proud, and show her that her hard work as a single mother had paid off.

Financial aid was critical to my dream, and mine was not yet approved. Seemingly unrelated, I played baritone horn in the school’s band. One day, I mentioned to my Band Director, Mr. Kenneth Tolbert, my concerns over my financial aid. He said, ‘Son, you go to FAMU, and if your financial aid does not come through, call me, and I will take care of the situation.’

In his direct, steady way, he opened a world of confidence with just a few words. I did receive financial aid, but I believe I became a pharmacist because I played baritone horn in my high school band, and an incredible person believed in me.”

HAPCO’s educational programs help young people in Central Florida further their education through music and the arts. We assist youth, particularly in low-income communities, who are aspiring to a career in the arts as well as those using their talents to fund their higher education. Since 2001, our non-profit foundation has worked to instill in young people a passion for excellence in all facets of their lives.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Our Impact in the Community HAPCO offers programs that give students real-world experience and mentoring from professionals they can relate to. Our educators focus upon practical advice, from the business side of the arts and music industries, to best practices for using the arts and music to fund secondary education.

We actively pursue community and local business connections to establish programs and events that benefit and promote all partners. We use this social capital to offer the strongest educational programs and community-focused events possible.

We emphasize “paying it forward” – we practice and teach the benefits of sharing expertise and experience, as well as of being good community corporate citizens.

Community support makes our programs possible. We align ourselves with partners who relish the opportunities to mentor the next generations in artistic expression and appreciation. Supporters can help us by: donating, sponsoring, volunteering and attending our events.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

With the assistance of our programs, young people in our community are improving their lives – using their artistic and musical talents to shape a better future. They are focusing their energies upon honing their talent, doing better in school – and realizing they have the opportunity to go to college.

The majority of HAPCO’s programs take arts and music education to the neighborhoods of at-risk and disadvantaged young people in Orlando, with an emphasis upon West Orange County. Our targeted areas have an average annual household income less than $25,000; typically, over 75% of their populations are minorities.

These communities have limited physical and/or financial access to arts and music education services and resources. Primary obstacles to participation are limited financial means and lack of transportation.

Our programs help to fill the void of arts and music educational resources outside the school system, which offers limited programing. Programs are conducted in locations central to these neighborhoods. They also connect young people with professionals who are committed to helping these young musicians and artists succeed in life. We emphasize mentoring by industry professionals, giving young people inroads into community networks. The majority of our instructors have overcome economic and social challenges to forge a path of success for their lives. Many of the Florida Highwaymen art group, first and second generation, teach clinics and paint parties, and share their stories of how they creatively persevered through socially-turbulent times.

HAPCO programs are offered typically free of charge, and are designed to empower growth and development in creative fields. Some programs, such as Jazz Band Camp, require a nominal cost that helps cover program costs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hapcopromo.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapcomusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HapcoMusicFoundation
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HAPCOMusic
• Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/y2kp6ve6

Image Credits
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